Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), in partnership with Scottish Care, local independent care providers and Engage Renfrewshire, have launched a new joint policy, which aims to address racist behaviour towards care at home workers across Renfrewshire.
The policy has been developed in response to issues raised by some local care at home providers. These were explored in more detail through a workplace survey, which highlighted a clear and recurring theme of racism towards workers from minority ethnic backgrounds.
The survey showed that more than half of staff from ethnically diverse backgrounds had experienced racism in their day-to-day work. More than a third had encountered racist language – and more than two thirds found that stereotypical assumptions were made about them because of their race.
The new policy aims to provide support for all staff working in care at home services within Renfrewshire – and reassurance that they are, and will continue to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
To support implementation of the policy, funding was secured to allow essential training to be delivered. The Active Bystander training was made available for all local care at home staff – and focused on how they can best deal with situations where racism becomes an issue. Being an Active Bystander means being aware when someone’s behaviour is inappropriate or threatening and choosing to challenge it.
The training will extend to include bespoke training for managers on dealing with racist behaviour from clients and their families.
The policy and any recorded anti-racist behaviour will be monitored and managed by a recently formed joint anti-racism Working Group.
Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care said: “Scottish Care are proud to work in partnership with Renfrewshire HSCP to promote a supportive, anti-racist approach in Care at Home services. We recognise that staff from minority ethnic backgrounds experience racism in their day-to-day work – and we are committed to addressing this by working together to improve knowledge and understanding of the impact of racism on care at home staff and being a catalyst for cultural and attitudinal change.”
Carron O’Byrne, Head of Health and Social Care at Renfrewshire HSCP added: “Renfrewshire HSCP believes it is everyone’s responsibility to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff. We need to do this by standing up for and giving a voice to those who face challenge and discrimination.
Headline Photo: (from left to right) Angela Magee – Service Manager, Visiting Angelz, Cllr Jennifer Adam, Chair Renfrewshire IJB, Carron O’Byrne, Head of Health and Social Care, Renfrewshire HSCP and Dr Donald Macaskill, CEO of Scottish Care